Avalanche Forecast
Sea To Sky
Heavy snow, rain and strong winds are expected for the forecast period. Expect touchy storm slabs at elevations that receive snow. At lower elevations watch for wet snow avalanches in steep, rain-soaked terrain.
Avalanche Problem 1: Storm Slabs
What Elevation?
Which Slopes?
Chances of Avalanches?
Expected Size?
Travel and Terrain Advice
- Use extra caution on slopes if the snow is moist or wet.
- If triggered the storm slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.
- Avoid avalanche terrain during periods of heavy loading from new snow, wind, or rain.
Avalanche Summary
Warm alpine temperatures on Sunday produced numerous naturally triggered loose wet and wet slab avalanches mostly in the size 1-1.5 range, and a few up to size 2 on solar aspects.
Snowpack Summary
Warm temperatures at all elevations are consolidating the snowpack and making the surface moist on all but north aspects. At elevations above approximately 1500 m precipitation from the previous storm fell as snow, while below that elevation, rain fell. Below the new storm snow, a thick crust that was buried on January 6th is now buried 30-50 cm below the surface. This crust exists up to about 2000m elevation.
Beneath the January 6 crust, the lower snowpack is generally strong and well settled.
Weather Forecast
MONDAY NIGHT: Rain changing to snow. Precipitation 4-8 mm. Ridge wind strong, south. Temperature +1. Freezing level lowering to 1500m
TUESDAY: Snow. Accumulation 10-20 cm. Ridge wind strong, southwest. Temperature -2. Freezing level 1200 m.
WEDNESDAY: Heavy snow. Accumulation 30-50 cm. Ridge wind strong, south. Temperature -1. Freezing level 1500 m.
THURSDAY: Snow. Accumulation 25-40. Ridge wind strong, southwest. Temperature -3. Freezing level 1200 m.
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Loading from new snow and strong winds will create widespread storm slabs. Loose wet and wet slab avalanches will be the concern where rain has soaked the snow. A release near the surface may still have the potential to step down to a deeper layer.